Best Time to See Bears in Arizona
June, August and July is the best time to see bears in Arizona. Based on 1,186 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bears are most active across the year in Arizona.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
American Black Bear · Andrew Meeds CC BY
American Black Bear · Sue Carnahan CC BY
American Black Bear · Julia Moning CC BY
1,186 verified observations of bears in Arizona, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Arizona
Peak month
June
203 records (17.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16 | 1.3% |
| February | 10 | 0.8% |
| March | 25 | 2.1% |
| April | 62 | 5.2% |
| May | 180 | 15.2% |
| Junepeak | 203 | 17.1% |
| Julypeak | 181 | 15.3% |
| Augustpeak | 192 | 16.2% |
| September | 117 | 9.9% |
| October | 112 | 9.4% |
| November | 67 | 5.6% |
| December | 21 | 1.8% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 1,186 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arizona
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bears are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bears sit around 66 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Feb | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Mar | 58°F | 39°F | 2.7" |
| Apr | 71°F | 49°F | 0.2" |
| May | 77°F | 56°F | 0.3" |
| Junbest time | 88°F | 66°F | 0.3" |
| Julbest time | 91°F | 72°F | 2.7" |
| Augbest time | 88°F | 70°F | 2.2" |
| Sep | 84°F | 64°F | 1.4" |
| Oct | 73°F | 52°F | 0.6" |
| Nov | 63°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| Dec | 53°F | 36°F | 2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Arizona. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of bears in Arizona peak in June, when 203 of the year's 1,186 verified observations are logged — about 17.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, August and July.
The quietest stretch is February, when bears are hardest to find — February sees just 10 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bears you are most likely to encounter in Arizona are American Black Bear — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see bears in Arizona
- Chiricahua National Monument — National Monument
- Coronado National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Grand Canyon National Park — National Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Montezuma Castle National Monument — National Monument
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bears in Arizona?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, August and July, based on 1,186 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bears hardest to see in Arizona?+
February is the quietest month for bears in Arizona, with only 10 verified records.
Are bears active year-round in Arizona?+
Bears are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arizona, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Arizona